2007 Chevy Colorado - Reader's Rap

Hi Eduardo,We spoke with Street Scene and the only reason they don't have side skirts available for your truck is that they didn't have a truck to mock them up on. By the time this magazine hits newsstands they will be elbow-deep in urethane, so they will be available soon. We also checked Godfather Customs and got a similar answer, so by this spring you should have at least two new choices. Odds are both of these kits will be cheaper than a custom job, especially if you have to buy some side skirts and attempt to make them longer. Be patient, check out what's available this spring, and have your truck ready by next summer!

Dear Truckin',I own a '94 GMC Yukon 2-door 4WD and I want to lower it 2-3 inches. I've seen some kits with torsion keys and shackles and some that include shocks and springs. I'm looking for a lower level stance with a good ride and handling. So, who makes a good lowering kit for a 14-year-old SUV?Hugh BradleyDetroit, MI

Hello Hugh,You've still got a few choices for your 14-year-old SUV. We just wrapped up an install with a Maxx Cam torsion key and were impressed with the results. A benefit of the torsion key is that you can adjust your suspension up 3 inches or down 2.5 inches and anywhere in between. Belltech also offers a torsion key as a part of its complete lowering kit for your Yukon. For the rear, Belltech uses 3-1/2-inch drop springs that will give you a softer ride. Belltech's part number for the kit is 3905.www.belltech.comwww.suspensionmaxx.com

Dear Truckin',Hi, my name is Joe. I saw the article on the 383 crate-engine swap you guys had in Volume 33, No. 12, and I currently have a '96 Chevy that could use an engine. Does the computer need any special modifications before driving the truck with the new engine? Also, how much does the 383 cost vs. the 350 crate engine?Joe BarrettGwinn, MI

Dear Truckin',I appreciate your tech article on the "Big Repower" 383 install. I have had my eyes on this motor for my project for quite a while now. With all of the factory equipment that is switched over from the old 350 to the new 383, I want to know if aftermarket performance items that are manufactured for the 350, (like intake manifolds, throttle bodies, complete exhaust systems, superchargers, and etc.) would work well with this motor? Any information you guys can give me would be greatTim RunyanLakeland, FL

Dear Truckin',Where can I get the "Removal and Reinstall" manuals by Dr. Whaba that were used in your "Big Repower" articles? Also, I plan to swap the small-block in my '87 Suburban with one from a '91 Suburban. Can I also use the 700R4 from the '91?

Joe, Tim, and Tom We'll try to answer all of your questions at once. The HT 383 E will run with your factory engine and give you a big bump in torque and power, and additional computer work will only result in higher gains. With aftermarket exhaust and headers you might lose a few ft-lbs just off-idle, but with a computer tune the numbers should be up across the board as volumetric efficiency is increased. Since a supercharger will cram a lot more air into the engine, factory injectors will likely need to be upgraded, along with a custom tune. Now for the cost. If you shop around you can find the long block, minus intake (which you will reuse) for around $4,600 to $5,000. There isn't an apples-to-apples comparison in the form of a GM Performance Parts 350, but compare that to $2,600 for a 350 long-block from Goodwrench. Unfortunately the 350 long-block from Goodwrench comes without a water pump or distributor, and it has a cast-not forged-crank, so the prices get closer when you factor that in.

Finally Tom, the R&R manuals can be found at Scoggin-Dickey at www.sdparts.com. For your transmission question, GM actually improved the 700R4 in '91, so you'll have a beefier version of the same transmission. Good luck wrenching!